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US Approves $373 Million Precision Munitions Package for Ukraine
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![Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko]( "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
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The US State Department has officially approved a potential sale of Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM-ER) kits and related equipment to Ukraine on May 5.
The deal is valued at approximately $373.6 million and aims to enhance the country’s long-range strike capabilities.
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Ukraine requested 1,200 tail kits for KMU-572 munitions and 332 tail kits for KMU-556 munitions. The package also includes essential maintenance equipment, spare parts, repair support, specialized software, and technical logistics services to ensure the systems remain operational.
"The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it with more capable air defense systems to conduct self-defense and regional security missions," the State Department said in a statement. Boeing has been named as the primary contractor for the order.
The JDAM system is designed to convert standard unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions capable of operating in all weather conditions. It utilizes an integrated inertial navigation system combined with GPS for high accuracy. The extended-range version features a folding wing kit, allowing the bombs to glide toward targets from a distance.
With an operational range of up to 72 kilometers, these munitions offer a reach similar to HIMARS rockets. However, they carry larger warheads and are significantly more cost-effective to produce and deploy.
As the United States enhances Ukraine's precision strike capabilities with the approval of the JDAM-ER sale, the European Union is simultaneously strengthening the country's long-term technological edge by initiating a joint drone alliance to counter evolving aerial threats.
Separately, the EU is advancing cooperation with Ukraine through the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance.
This partnership followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s 2025 State of the European Union address, where she outlined measures to address the threats posed by drone warfare.
The alliance focused on unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-drone measures to build a comprehensive defense capability. Founding members were selected from applicants with significant experience in the defense drone sectors of the EU and Ukraine.
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